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Undergraduate Research & Creative Projects Program · Summer 2026

Understanding Inclusive Workplace Design Through Social Media Narratives of Disability

A collaborative summer research project exploring how people with disabilities share workplace experiences online — and what those stories reveal about inclusive design.

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Application deadline: April 5, 2026

URCPP Research Grant

$10.50/hour · 40 hrs/week for all eight weeks of the summer research project.

On-Campus Housing

Residence hall room provided for the full duration of the 8-week project.

Meal Plan Included

Meals covered on campus during the research period.

Housing & meal coverage applies only during the 8-week research period. Room and board before or after the project are the student's responsibility.

What You'll Do

Dive into meaningful research that examines disability narratives on social media and their implications for inclusive workplace design.

8 Weeks, Full-Time

40 hours per week of immersive, hands-on research experience during Summer 2026.

Collaborative Team

Work alongside faculty mentors and fellow students in a supportive, equitable environment.

Qualitative Methods

Compose literature reviews, collect data from social media, and conduct collaborative qualitative analysis.

Present at BURIS

Share your findings at the campus undergraduate research symposium and build your academic portfolio.

Meet Your Research Mentors

You'll be guided by two experienced and supportive faculty dedicated to inclusive, accessible, collaborative research.

Illustration representing Dr. Laura Seroka
Principal Investigator

Dr. Laura Seroka

Associate Professor of Communication

serokal@berea.edu

Illustration representing Dr. Keesha Greer-Effs
Principal Investigator

Dr. Keesha Greer-Effs

Visiting Assistant Professor of Education Studies

greereffsk@berea.edu

Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Program (URCCP) · Summer 2026

Berea College Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Program ↗

Who Should Apply?

  • Prior knowledge of disability studies or a strong interest in learning about disability and its impact on work and life experiences
  • Completion of either GSTR 210 or L&I 200 prior to participating
  • Willingness to engage in qualitative methods and collaborative research
  • Comfort with reflective discussion and ethical analysis of public-facing online content
  • Open to students from any discipline
  • Not enrolled in any other summer courses during the program (May 11 – July 3, 2026)

Accessibility Commitment

Students with disabilities are welcome and encouraged to apply. We will work with each student to make every step of the project equitable and collaborative.

Our application form includes a space for you to share any accessibility needs or accommodations. Your response is optional and will not affect your candidacy.

What You'll Receive

Focus on your research — we've got the rest covered.

URCPP Research Grant

Receive a grant covering the full eight weeks of your summer research project.

Campus Housing

Complimentary residence hall room for the duration of the research project (8 weeks).

Meal Plan Included

Meals are covered during the research period if you choose to stay on campus.

Note: Housing and meal coverage applies only during the 8-week research period. Room and board before or after the project are the student's responsibility.

Apply Now

Application deadline: April 5, 2026

Students cannot be enrolled in other summer courses while participating in this program.

Prerequisite Courses Completed

Tell us why you're interested in this project and what you hope to gain from the experience. (200–500 words recommended)

Share any accommodations we can provide. This will not affect your candidacy.